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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Connections in session on non-school days?
No, Connections is not available when school is not in session.

How does the Connections program bill families?
We invoice on a bi-weekly basis for Drop In. Quarterly rate will be invoiced 3 weeks prior to the next quarter and will be due 1 week prior to the quarter start. Late accounts will be charged a $15.00 late fee.

How can I get copies of previous monthly invoices/receipts for my Flex Reimbursement Plan?
Copies of all invoices and receipts are available to download through their online account. Paper copies can be requested and picked up from our main billing office in the Lincoln Community Center. A year-end statement will be emailed to families in January for tax purposes.

Do I need to notify the Connections program if my child will not be attending?
Yes, our sites do need notice when a child is not attending. If your child will not be attending because of a scheduled appointment, vacation, or other planned absence, contact the ACES billing office in advance. If your child is ill, when you call the school to report the absence, don’t forget to call and leave a message on the Connections site cell phone. If a child does not arrive at Connections as intended, the site supervisor will:
1. Contact the parents at home and at work.
2. Contact the school to see if the child was in attendance.
3. If no one knows the whereabouts of the child the authorities will be called.
Due to the amount of time involved in trying to find children when staff have not been notified of their absence, a $15.00 Finder’s Fee will be assessed.

What if I am unable to pick up my child by 6:00pm?
If an emergency delays you and you are going to be late picking up your child, make plans for someone listed as an authorized pickup person to get your child on time, and call the program staff immediately.
In the event that your child is still at the program after closing time and we have not heard from you, we will take the following steps:
1. Attempt to reach you at home, work or on your cell.
2. Call the those listed as authorized pick ups.
3. If you are more than 30 minutes late, the police will be contacted for assistance.
A late fee of $1.00 per minute will be charged to your account and continued late pickups may result in removal from the program.

What happens in the event of Severe Weather/School Closings?
If Mankato Area Public Schools:

dismiss early afternoon Connections will be closed

close for the entire day Connections will be closed completely

Refunds will be given within 10 working business days as a credit on your account to those who would have attended on these days.

How old does my child have to be to attend the Connections program?
During the school year session children who are attending grades 6-8 may register for the Connections program.

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About

Mankato Community Education supports the educational, social and recreational needs of the community by serving children ages birth to five, youth and adults throughout the Mankato Area Public Schools communities. Assuring learning excellence and readiness for a changing world by providing programming to reach all, teach all, and include all.